CIRCLE OF CROWS

Influenced by such outfits as Alter Bridge, Biffy Clyro, Audioslave, and Metallica, Cornish hard rock trio Circle Of Crows have made quite an impact on their local music scene this past year, with a distinct sound combining remarkable rhythms, imposing riffs, and towering vocals, as well as live shows that contain much energy and passion.

Now, the collective are eager to present themselves to a much wider audience, starting with the release of their debut EP, ‘Everything Comes After Zero’, this August.

To tell me more about that, and lots of other band-related stuff, was their frontman, Kyle Gormley.

How did the band form?

The band formed after I bumped into Steve one night and decided to have a jam. We’d known each other for years, having played gigs together in various separate bands.

Josh played with me in an earlier incarnation of Circle Of Crows, and he’d just moved back to Cornwall from Brighton, so it made sense to get him back on board.

How did the name Circle Of Crows come about?

Circle Of Crows is a name that Josh came up with when the old line-up wanted to change from our previous name, which was Breathe. We spent a few weeks tossing ideas back and forth, and when Josh said that name, it was just something we all instantly loved.

What would you say was your songwriting approach?

Our songwriting process seems to differ with each song. Josh or I usually bring in the beginnings of a song, maybe a verse riff or a chord progression, and from there, we just throw ideas around until it comes together. We never worry about a certain sound or keeping within a genre limit, if something sounds good, it’s fine with us.

What inspires the band lyrically?

Most of the songs deal with personal themes – loss, anxiety, love, family. I just try to be honest. I write all the lyrics myself, so it’s a very internal process, but I try to make the songs as hopeful as possible, and therefore, a bit more universal.

You recently brought out a single, entitled ‘How To Wait For Nothing’. How has the reaction been to that so far?

The reaction to the lead single has been great. We think it sums our sound up quite well, from the opening in-your-face riff to the grooving verse and a big chorus. I’m excited for people to hear the rest of the EP.

And that was taken from the band’s EP, ‘Everything Comes After Zero’, coming out this August. How has the recording process been for that?

The recording process was the most enjoyable I’ve ever been a part of. It was a painless five days in a little secluded studio in Cornwall. We had time to try some new things with each song, and there was no pressure at all, so each track came out as good as we could have hoped.

And what can be expected of it?

We think the EP is a really good summation of our band’s sound. There are some real hard-rocking, heavy tracks on there, but also a ballad in ‘Into The Sun’ and a (for want of a better word) epic in the seven-minute closer, ‘Open Doors’. We tried to include songs from every aspect of our sound, and I think we have achieved that.

Since forming early last year, the band have made a name for themselves on their local music scene with highly-energetic, passionate live shows. How is performing on stage as an experience for you all?

Performing live is our favourite part of being in a band. It’s hard to explain the feeling of working hard for months in a practice room on a set, and then getting the opportunity to play that on stage to a room full of people and feel their energy.

It’s so rewarding as a songwriter to know that people like what you have to say and we never forget that, every time we go on stage.

What are your plans once the EP has come out?

After the EP is released, we want to look at making our first music video, and sorting out a tour of some sort. We’d love to play anywhere and everywhere, so we’re hoping to get out of Cornwall and play the rest of the country.

And finally, what is the band’s long-term aim?

Our long-term aim is to be able to play our music to as many people as possible. To be able to earn a living doing something we love would be an absolute dream, so hopefully, this EP is the first step in getting our name out there.

‘EVERYTHING COMES AFTER ZERO’, THE DEBUT EP FROM CIRCLE OF CROWS, WILL BE RELEASED ON AUGUST 17.